Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
32 y/o female h/o left breast lesion
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
32 y/o female h/o left breast lesion
by concerned911, May 20, 2003 12:00AM
Hello, I am a 32 y/o female ...History of fibrocystic breast disease... I found a lump in the upper portion of my breast upon BSE in 2001. I was referred for a mammogram and a subsequent ultrasound. I was diagnosed with a lesion in my breast and biopsy was recommended by the radiology center. My surgeon felt otherwise and wanted me to "watch it"... The lump subsided approximately 1 month after that visit. However, it is now back in the same place again... this time more of the same..(mammogram & ultrasound) mammogram is negative... however, according to the Radiologist the ultrasound shows what appears to be an "enlarged lymph node" the shape of a "kidney bean" He says that he "doesn't think it is cancerous" and "probably doesn't need removed"... I am going back to my surgeon... however, am just at a loss for what to do.. at 32 I would probably feel more comfortable getting it removed... Is this a pre-cursor to a cancerous condition? My concern is that this keeps coming back in the same place... I am also concerned with multiple ultrasounds at my age... I have had 3 and I am 32 years old... what is the risk from radiation exposure versus the benefits? Thank You!
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, May 20, 2003 12:00AM
Dear concerned911, We have lymphnodes as part of our lymphatic system that run throughout our bodies, and contain lymphocytes which are cells that are part of our bodies immune system. They can become enlarged due to infection, they can also become enlarged because of cancer. The enlargement wouldn't necessarily mean that it is a pre-cursor to cancer.
As to the safety of ultrasounds, radiation is not used during an ultrasound, sound waves are used. The mammogram machines used today need very low amounts of radiation per test. The data to date suggests that the benefit of mammogram procedure far outweighs any risk of radiation exposure.
As to the safety of ultrasounds, radiation is not used during an ultrasound, sound waves are used. The mammogram machines used today need very low amounts of radiation per test. The data to date suggests that the benefit of mammogram procedure far outweighs any risk of radiation exposure.
I am also 32 with BC. Mine was not seen on the mammogram only through the ultrasound. The surgeon that did the biopsy also told me that he did not feel it was cancerous. The pathology report revealed otherwise. The fact is that a lot of lamps are not cancerous and the only way to know for sure is to remove it or do a biopsy. My suggestion is - don't wait and do a biopsy -yes there will be a little scar but you will know for sure about what it is for your peace of mind. Check out breastcancer.org and post your questions there - you'll get a lot of responses from other women who has been through that.
Sana